Robert Lipshultz

November 11, 1998

Robert Lipshultz, 60, an Elmwood Park native who worked for the Chicago Board of Education, died Sept. 13 in his Lake Villa home. In his nearly two decades with the Chicago Board of Education, he guided students who were mentally and physically challenged and worked on innovative educational projects that have since become commonplace. The projects pushed teachers to take risks and encouraged parents and communities to get involved in their schools. "He had a very special touch as a teacher, individually with students. He himself was an unusual person. He respected and understood how hard it was to be different," said friend and colleague, Maurine Pyle. When Don Mertic left the board to head the Central Baptist Children's Home in Lake Villa, he asked Mr. Lipshultz to come along and head the special projects for the non-profit, child-welfare organization. "I had so much respect for his skill," Mertic said. Pyle said "He really wanted to see a world where children were treated decently and families--poor as well as rich--got a fair shake." Mr. Lipshultz has no immediate survivors. Funeral services were held last month.